SLC has collaborated with the RID Interpreting Service Managers Member Section to write the following "BUSINESS CODE OF ETHICS". We ascribe to the precepts described herein.

A reputable and ethical interpreting agency agrees:

  1. To uphold The Americans with Disabilities Act. The definition of "qualified interpreter" is to be clearly articulated by the business so that contracting entities know what to expect. Certification need not be the only qualification used by the business. Efforts to find a truly qualified interpreter should be the main priority. The person(s) responsible for determining qualification shall have the background and experience in the field to make an appropriate assessment.
  2. To ensure that the interpreters assigned are able to fulfill their commitment to providing access to all consumers on the job. That the interpreters know the technical terminology used in the assignment and can render the message faithfully and accurately. To clearly state the parameters of the job so that the interpreter can determine their availability and qualification, including start and end time, travel time if needed, necessity of a team interpreter, who the clients are, language needs, and contact information.
  3. To clearly define what is a ‘regular request’, a ‘last minute request that is not an emergency’ and a true ‘emergency’ and have rates that clearly reflect the differences.
  4. To honor the Code of Professional conduct of the RID. This includes not divulging information about a job until it is ascertained that the interpreter accepting the job is qualified and available to do the work. To gather as much information about the job as possible so that the interpreters can determine if they are qualified to do the job.
  5. To make the use of certified interpreters a priority. To encourage interpreters to advance their skills and complete required CEU credits to maintain their certification.
  6. To be an organizational member of the RID and support the organization’s goals.
  7. To keep all records in a secure location including files, computers and any identifying paper work such that they protect individual and proprietary information. Require interpreters to sign off on any HIPAA contracts as necessitated by the client.
  8. To follow the laws of the country, state and county. This includes accurate record keeping and payment of taxes accurately and in a timely fashion. To maintain all legal insurances that protect the business and customer. To secure background checks of any person working with children.
  9. To clearly state all policies regarding billing terms and conditions for the customer.
  10. To honestly record each job start and end time, overtime and to bill customers accurately for work performed and in a timely manner. To acknowledge errors and omissions and rectify billing statements to reflect the accurate start and end time.
  11. To support the local Deaf community when possible and when it doesn’t conflict with the mission of the business. Leadership of any Sign Language interpreting business should have an in depth knowledge of the interpreting profession, Deafness, the ADA and accessibility issues facing the Deaf community and be able to clearly articulate the issues when requested.
  12. To promote the on-going development and improvement of interpreters' skills and professional conduct.

 

 
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